Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe

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Sizzling Chinese pepper steak with onions is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines the rich taste of tender beef with the vibrant flavors of bell peppers and onions. This dish is not only mouth-watering but also simple to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The stir-fried beef is enhanced with a savory sauce, creating a dish that is full of flavor and texture, all served on a sizzling hot plate for an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for authentic Chinese cuisine.

Ingredients

To make this mouthwatering Chinese pepper steak with onions, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 lb flank steak (sliced thinly against the grain)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 bell peppers (green and red, sliced into strips)
  • 1 large onion (sliced into strips)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper (freshly cracked)
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional garnish: green onions or sesame seeds

Preparation

  1. Prep the Beef: Begin by slicing the flank steak into thin strips, ensuring you cut against the grain for a tender bite. Marinate the beef by tossing it in soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let it marinate for about 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the beef is marinating, slice your bell peppers and onions into strips. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. These fresh ingredients will bring vibrant color and flavor to the dish.
  3. Stir-Fry: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
  4. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and toss in the bell peppers, onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften but still maintain some crunch.
  5. Combine: Add the beef back into the pan along with the freshly cracked black pepper and beef broth. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is well-coated.
  6. Serve: Serve the sizzling Chinese pepper steak hot on a sizzling plate for an added dramatic effect, or simply plate it up and enjoy

Mistakes to Avoid

While making sizzling Chinese pepper steak with onions can be simple, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

  1. Overcooking the Beef: One of the most common mistakes is overcooking the beef, which can result in a tough and chewy texture. To prevent this, be sure to cook the beef on high heat and only for a few minutes. Slicing the beef thinly against the grain also helps keep it tender.
  2. Not Marinating the Meat Long Enough: Marinating the beef is essential for infusing flavor. If you don’t give it enough time to marinate, the beef may lack the rich, savory depth that defines this dish. Aim for at least 15 minutes, but 30 minutes is ideal for maximum flavor.
  3. Using Low-Quality Soy Sauce: The soy sauce is a key ingredient in this dish, and using a low-quality soy sauce can significantly affect the overall flavor. Opt for a high-quality soy sauce or even a Chinese light soy sauce for the best results.
  4. Overcrowding the Pan: Stir-frying works best when ingredients have enough space to cook evenly. If the pan is overcrowded, the beef and vegetables may steam rather than sear, leading to a less desirable texture. Work in batches if needed.
  5. Not Adjusting the Heat: Stir-frying on too low of a heat will cause the beef to cook too slowly, losing its tender texture. Ensure your pan is hot enough to quickly sear the beef and vegetables, creating that desired sizzle.

Ingredient Alternatives

If you’re looking to tweak the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions, here are a few ingredient alternatives you can consider:

  1. Beef Alternatives: If you don’t have flank steak or prefer a different meat, you can substitute it with chicken breast, pork tenderloin, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Make sure to slice the meat thinly, just like the beef, for the best texture.
  2. Vegetables: While bell peppers and onions are traditional in this dish, you can experiment with other vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or broccoli. Each will add a different flavor profile and texture while still complementing the beef.
  3. Soy Sauce Alternatives: If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute regular soy sauce with tamari sauce. For a lower-sodium version, look for reduced-sodium soy sauce.
  4. Oyster Sauce Alternatives: If you’re unable to find oyster sauce or prefer a vegetarian alternative, you can use hoisin sauce, mushroom-based soy sauce, or a combination of soy sauce and a little sugar to mimic the sweet and salty profile of oyster sauce.
  5. Peppercorn Substitute: If you prefer a milder heat, you can reduce the amount of black pepper and substitute it with white pepper, which has a subtler flavor. Alternatively, you can try using a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of extra heat.

Tips and Tricks

To ensure your sizzling Chinese pepper steak with onions is cooked to perfection, consider these helpful tips and tricks:

  1. High Heat is Key: When stir-frying, make sure your pan is preheated and the oil is hot before adding the beef. This helps to quickly sear the meat and vegetables, giving them a nice texture without overcooking.
  2. Use a Wok: While a regular skillet will work fine, a wok is ideal for stir-frying because its shape allows the heat to distribute evenly and gives you more room to move the ingredients around.
  3. Control the Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can dissolve a little more cornstarch in cold water and add it to the pan towards the end of cooking. This will help thicken the sauce quickly without making it too gloopy.
  4. Customize the Spice Level: If you like it spicy, you can increase the amount of black pepper or add fresh chili peppers to the dish. Conversely, for a milder flavor, simply reduce the pepper or leave out the chili altogether.
  5. Serve with Rice or Noodles: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or stir-fried noodles. The rice helps balance out the rich flavors, while noodles give the dish an extra layer of texture.

Suggestions

To elevate your sizzling Chinese pepper steak with onions, consider these additional suggestions to enhance both flavor and presentation:

  1. Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish your dish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to bring a burst of color and a hint of freshness. This simple touch can transform the dish visually and add a contrasting flavor profile.
  2. Use a Sizzling Plate for Presentation: For an authentic experience, serve the pepper steak on a sizzling hot plate. The sound and smell of the sizzling dish will impress your guests and create a fun dining experience.
  3. Make it a Complete Meal: To create a more complete meal, pair the pepper steak with other Chinese-inspired dishes such as egg rolls, spring rolls, or a simple stir-fried vegetable dish. This adds variety and makes for a satisfying spread.
  4. Balance the Flavor with a Side Salad: A side salad with a light vinaigrette or sesame dressing can help cut through the richness of the pepper steak, providing a refreshing contrast.
  5. Serve with a Cold Drink: Consider serving your meal with an iced green tea, cold brew tea, or even a cold beer to complement the savory and peppery flavors of the dish.

FAQ

  1. Can I make this dish ahead of time? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the beef and vegetables ahead of time by chopping them and storing them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, the stir-fry process itself only takes about 10 minutes, so it’s a quick and easy meal.
  2. Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, while flank steak is ideal for its tenderness, you can substitute it with other cuts like sirloin, rib-eye, or skirt steak. Just be sure to slice the meat thinly for the best results.
  3. Is this dish spicy? The level of spiciness depends on how much black pepper you use. For a mild dish, reduce the black pepper or leave it out. For a spicier version, add fresh chili peppers or more black pepper.
  4. Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes! Simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari sauce or a gluten-free soy sauce, and you can easily make this dish gluten-free. Be sure to check the labels on the oyster sauce as well, as some contain gluten.
  5. How can I make the sauce thicker? If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the pan towards the end of cooking. The sauce will thicken as it simmers.

Conclusion

Sizzling Chinese pepper steak with onions is a flavorful and vibrant dish that brings the perfect balance of savory, peppery, and slightly sweet flavors. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a meal that’s just as delicious as anything you’d find in a restaurant. By following the tips and tricks provided, avoiding common mistakes, and exploring ingredient alternatives, you’ll be able to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests. The best part is that it’s quick to prepare, yet still packed with flavor, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or weekend dinners. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you’ll have a complete and satisfying meal in no time.

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Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe

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  • Author: Emilline Labrita
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Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb flank steak (sliced thinly against the grain)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 bell peppers (green and red, sliced into strips)
  • 1 large onion (sliced into strips)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper (freshly cracked)
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional garnish: green onions or sesame seeds

Instructions

  • Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Mix well to coat the meat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for more flavor.
  • Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are slightly softened but still crisp. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
  • Cook the Beef: In the same skillet or wok, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the beef is cooked through and lightly browned. Ensure the beef is not overcrowded, cooking in batches if necessary.
  • Add Garlic and Ginger: Once the beef is cooked, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Combine the Vegetables and Beef: Return the cooked bell peppers and onions to the skillet with the beef. Stir well to combine.
  • Add Broth and Season: Pour in the beef broth and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and add salt if needed.
  • Serve: Transfer the sizzling Chinese pepper steak with onions to a serving dish and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

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